Rooney wants outWayne Rooney has informed his manager David Moyes that he wishes to leave Everton, with the Scot threatening to follow him out of Goodison Park if the England striker is sold for anything less than £30 million, write Dominic Fifield and Michael Walker.
Rooney met Moyes at the club's Bellefield training ground on Monday and expressed his desire for a transfer, with talks at an impasse over a new five-year contract and the teenager deeply upset by allegations, backed up by closed-circuit television footage, that he has visited brothels in Liverpool.
Moyes was unaware of Newcastle's interest at the time, though their initial bid of £20 million, rejected by Everton's chairman Bill Kenwright on Monday evening, confirmed his worst fears. The Merseyside club value the 18-year-old at £30 million, the price at which they were attempting to set a get-out clause in Rooney's proposed new deal, and Moyes would consider his position should Everton buckle under financial pressures and accept Newcastle's offer.
Newcastle's offer remains on the table this morning, with Newcastle's chairman Freddy Shepherd likely to improve it before the transfer window closes next Tuesday if there has been no progress. Any improved offer might involve a player being added to the deal, with Newcastle believed to be willing to let Kieron Dyer, valued at £8 million, leave.
Shola Ameobi would effectively be fifth-choice striker if Rooney arrives and the 22-year-old must be considering his future, despite signing a new five-year contract at St James' Park this summer. Asked yesterday how Ameobi would feel should Rooney arrive, Newcastle boss Bobby Robson replied: "I'm not answering that."
Guardian Service
Reiziger blow for Boro
Middlesbrough defender Michael Reiziger is facing at least six weeks out after it was revealed he needs surgery to repair his damaged shoulder.
The 31-year-old former Barcelona full-back came off 71 minutes into Sunday's thrilling 5-3 defeat at Arsenal with a recurrence of the problem he first suffered in a pre-season friendly at Hansa Rostock.
Boro manager Steve McClaren confirmed yesterday, as he prepared his side for tomorrow night's trip to Fulham, that the former Dutch international will travel to Switzerland on Saturday where he will undergo an operation which will rule him out for up to six weeks.
Juninho a Firm starter
Brazilian playmaker Juninho could make his first start for Celtic in this Sunday's Old Firm derby after it was yesterday revealed he has confirmed personal terms with the Scottish club and will move if the SPL champions can agree a deal with Middlesbrough.
"I think now the two clubs are getting together and just ironing out the final details, so I can't really comment until that is really done and dusted," said Boro monager Steve McClaren.
With Celtic's Chris Sutton out injured, Martin O'Neill could hand Juninho a start on Sunday if he signs in time.
In brief . . .
Aston Villa boss David O'Leary has given up on signing James Beattie from Southampton saying: "There was an offer made, their chairman turned it down because they wanted more money. Unless the figure drops, I don't think we will get Beattie before the transfer window closes" . . . Nigeria international Blessing Kaku has agreed a three-year deal with Bolton . . . Paulo Wanchope was withdrawn from the Manchester City squad for last night's match at Birmingham after Spanish club Malaga moved in for the player . . . The Premier League has decided to replace referee Andy D'Urso for the match between Manchester United and Everton next Monday. Dermot Gallagher will take over at Old Trafford . . . Steve Morgan says he has failed in his second bid to complete a £70 million takeover of Liverpool.
